Canada’s Oscar Entry ‘Gabrielle’ Finds U.S. Home

Drama set for winter release

Entertainment One Films U.S. has acquired U.S. distribution rights to “Gabrielle,” Canada’s entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category for the Oscars.

The film is slated for a domestic theatrical release this winter. It was screened in the Special Presentation section at the Toronto Film Festival after premiering at the Locarno International Film Festival.

Louise Archambault directed and Gabrielle Marion-Rivard stars in the in the lead role as a developmentally disabled member of a Montreal choir who falls in love.

“Gabrielle” is produced by micro_scope and financed by Telefilm Canada, SODEC, Radio-Canada, Cogeco, Super Ecran and ARTV as well as provincial and federal tax credits.

Jay Weisberg gave the film a positive review for Variety at Locarno, saying that it fit into the market for “well-made, uplifting stories about individuals with special needs fighting the odds and coming into their own.”

eOne Films International had previously sold distribution rights for the film to France, the Benelux, former Yugoslavia, Australia, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, and Spain.